Commercial Real Estate Transactions

Real Estate Commercial Transactions

Are you contemplating conducting any commercial real estate transactions? The process can be complex and overwhelming but don’t be discouraged. Investments in commercial real estate have many benefits.

The closing process for a commercial real estate deal is similar to closing residential transactions. The processes only differ in a few areas.

 See also:

• Forsyth County Probate Court
• Cobb County Probate Court
• Medical Power of Attorney Georgia

Purchase Agreement

The purchase and sale agreement is the first step in a commercial real estate transaction. Both buyers and sellers must carefully review this agreement. Each term must be understood and its importance fully acknowledged.

It is prudent for each party to have competent legal counsel representing them during these transactions. The parties will, therefore, be able to understand their rights and responsibilities regarding the transaction, eliminating the possibility of legal disputes.

A purchase agreement also aids in the preparation of the preliminary title report and the creation of an escrow account. Consider hiring a real estate attorney in Atlanta if you’re shopping for commercial property in Atlanta.

Escrow Account

After that, the title and escrow company sets up and controls escrow accounts, which release funds from the buyer’s good faith deposit and/or assets once certain previously agreed conditions are met.

The use of escrow eliminates the worry of trust between the two parties. In escrow, the funds are held by a neutral third party, ensuring that no payment will take place until both parties agree.

The escrow system is also applicable in the purchase of a residential property. Nevertheless, commercial properties are subject to more stringent escrow requirements. Commercial property purchases require tighter and more detailed escrow controls in light of the higher sums of money involved and the complexity of the process.

Commercial properties often require funds from several sources, meaning greater due diligence is necessary to ensure a successful investment. The documentation is extensive and customized based on your specific transaction. 

Due Diligence Process

In a commercial real estate transaction, the purchase and sale agreement contains a schedule for the buyer to conduct due diligence on the property before purchasing. As such, the buyer or agent must inspect the property before moving on in the acquisition process.

This inspection usually entails evaluating the property’s physical condition, obtaining an environmental site assessment report to ensure no EPA violations exist, and other records such as utility bills and taxes. The due diligence phase ensures the property is in good condition before the purchase agreement is validated. Some of the common steps taken are:

• Inquiring from the property manager on the maintenance and history of repairs carried out on the property
• Inspection of tiles, light switches, and pipelines by a property inspector to ensure the property is in good working order
• Engaging professional structural engineers to determine the building’s integrity and confirm there is no significant danger or structural issue with the building
• Estimating the level of renovations required to achieve potential returns on the investment and the budget to finalize them
• Reviewing the documentation to ensure no problem could result in a legal dispute
• Conducting a property walk-through to ensure the property is suitable for the buyer’s intended use

If the inspection reveals additional expenses to fix issues with the property, the price may need to be renegotiated before investors invest more. The seller will have two options: to withdraw from the sale or to sweeten the deal and continue with the closing process.

Estate & business lawyers can be of great help in these situations.

Property Titles

Title insurance protects purchasers and sellers from losing out in real estate transactions due to an inaccuracy in the property’s title. This step reveals defects in the property title, which must be attended to before proceeding with the purchase. For example, old liens by the seller’s lender that aren’t removed from properties could prevent the investor from obtaining a clear title at closing.

A property’s chain of ownership is a significant issue arising in a commercial real estate transaction. Reviewing the line of ownership carefully before committing to a final purchase is essential. Any inconsistency in the ownership line should be corrected to prevent future legal disputes.

Books and Records

The financial documents, books, and property records must be reviewed as a condition of the purchase agreement. The relevant financial documents include tenants’ leases, rent records, loan documents, operating statements, balance sheets, and any work done on the property. The information would provide insight into the property’s financial and physical status.

Closing the Deal

Even though the closing is the shortest stage of the entire transaction process, it is one of the most sensitive. At this stage, the buyer’s and seller’s agents sign all closing documents, and funds are transferred via title and escrow companies. A closing also involves the transfer of keys, access codes, and important documents.

Tips for a Successful Commercial Real Estate Transaction